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AFCL - Foolad's AFC Champions League campaign
ended in disappointment as the Iranian side went down to a lacklustre 2-1
defeat against Al Ittihad from Syria.
After opening their account with a 6-0 win over Al Qadisiya from Kuwait,
Nenad Nikolic's side failed to win another game in their debut appearance in
the continental club championship.
Foolad dominated the opening exchanges against Al Ittihad and, after just
two minutes, Adel Kolahkaj's goalward shot was deflected wide for a corner
by the Al Ittihad defence.
But it was not long before Al Ittihad seized control of proceedings thanks
to the influence of midfielder Mahmoud Al Amena, whose passing kept Foolad
on the back foot.
With 16 minutes on the clock Al Amena took on the Foolad defence after
dispossessing Pejman Montazeri before firing off a shot that almost opened
the scoring for Al Ittihad.
The Syrians, however, only had to wait another five minutes to put
themselves on the scoreboard and, not surprisingly, it was Al Amena who
converted, meeting a cross from the right to beat goalkeeper Hassan Hori.
Foolad striker Hojat Chaharmahali should have pulled his team level just
before the half hour mark but the home side had to be satisfied with going
into the break a goal down.
The Iranians came out for the second half looking for the equaliser, and
three minutes after the resumption Meysam Soleimani darted down the right
before cutting inside and firing off target when he had team mates better
positioned to capitalise.
Omid Sharifinasab's free kick also caused problems for Al Ittihad, but again
the Syrians survived when they conceded a corner.
The pendulum swung back towards Al Ittihad and Mohamed Al Damen met Abdul
Aga's cross, but he failed to take the opportunity.
With 17 minutes to go, Al Ittihad doubled their advantage, Hori hesitating
in the Foolad goal as Mohamed Boudaka met Aobada Sayed's corner to give the
Syrians a more comfortable cushion.
Foolad finally put themselves on the scoresheet four minutes later, halving
the deficit when Kolahkaj was first to react after Soleimani’s shot came
back off the post.
The home side had further chances to level but both Soleimani and Kolahkaj
were incapable of making them count as Al Ittihad hung on for the win and
Foolad’s AFC Champions League campaign ended in a whimper.
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